Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015, it’s best known for its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), which is used to fuel transactions and power the network. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as a digital currency, Ethereum provides a programmable platform for a wide range of applications, including decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and supply chain management. Its ability to execute self-executing contracts and facilitate trustless transactions has positioned Ethereum as a leading force in the blockchain revolution.